Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare 'Frontebosco’ 2023

100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontebosco’ is a single hectare amphitheater within Contrada Volpare that faces south. The vines were planted in 2014 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.

The Maugeri 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare Frontebosco (with 6,200 bottles created) comes from a vineyard adjacent to a forest with ancient stone terracing, as its name "Frontebosco" suggests. It's not just the power of suggestion, because you do pick up on hints of balsam herb or forest floor beyond white fruit and peach. The wine ages on lees for eight months (with no malolactic fermentation and no bâtonnage). These techniques (or lack thereof) contribute to the wine's linear and punchy style. This is a charming and fun-drinking wine. Drink 2024-2029. 93 Points. Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.